Byrdie / Lecia Landis
Long gone are the days where exfoliating meant using physically abrasive scrubs such as sea salt to improve the appearance of our skin. Chemical exfoliation is the new standard in terms of solving skin woes such as acne scars and blemishes, dark spots, hyper-pigmentation, and cellulite, to name a few. In its most basic form, exfoliating scrubs away dead skin while breaking down acne-forming bacteria that clog your pores, which prevents acne and blackheads from forming. And now, that is made even easier and less time-consuming with exfoliating pads. “One of the greatest benefits of an exfoliating pad is the convenience factor,” explains dermatological nurse and celebrity aesthetician Natalie Aguilar.
Byrdie Researched & Approved
Our best overall pick is the HydroPeptide 5X Power Peel pads, which our experts agree are worth every dime. These pads are enriched with a blend of acids and peptides to rejuvenate the skin while simultaneously boosting its natural barrier. If you’re looking for something a little more wallet-friendly, the Nip + Fab Glycolic Acid Fix Daily Cleansing Pads contain a gentle enough concentration of glycolic acid to unclog pores without irritating skin.
Aguilar explains that exfoliating pads are a convenient way to get a chemical exfoliation. “Pre-mixed solutions with a pad have removed the inconvenience of having separate products and have made it easy for suitable skin types to pick up a pad and wipe across face, neck, décolleté or body.”
In addition to that, exfoliating pads will have other additional benefits for the skin thanks to ingredients. To put it simply, there is a lot that you can include in exfoliating pad form. Whether you have sensitive skin or oily skin, there’s definitely a pad out there for you.
We conducted hours of research on the best exfoliating pads, evaluating each based on active ingredients meant to chemically exfoliate: namely salicylic, glycolic, or lactic acids. We looked at how these pads combine acids—and what concentration of acids is used—for the best exfoliation possible without irritating skin. We considered different skin types and concerns to find which pads work most effectively. After consulting with a dermatological nurse, and considering dozens of different options, we landed on these picks.
Here is a list of some of the best exfoliating pads to uncomplicate your beauty routine.
Best Overall
HydroPeptide 5X Power Peel
Courtesy of Dermstore
Has anti-aging properties
Tightens pores
Full of natural ingredients
Pricey
These pre-soaked towelettes are a powerful, skin-boosting cocktail of alpha-hydroxy, glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acids, as well as peptides, to clear up blemishes and tighten pores, revealing more radiant skin.
Price at time of publish: $69
Count: 30 | Benefits: Anti-aging | Skin Type: All | Usage: Start by using 3 times a week and build up to every day | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Budget
Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Daily Cleansing Pads
Courtesy of Nip+Fab
Brightens tone
Affordable
Decongesting
Might not work for sensitive skin
As a renowned favorite for many (including Kylie Jenner), there’s not much else that can be said about these much-loved exfoliating pads. Pre-soaked in a 2.8 percent concentration of glycolic acid, they are gentle enough for daily use. The pads also contain witch, hazel, hyaluronic acid, and blue daisy for a moisturizing, soothing exfoliator that won’t leave your skin stripped dry.
Price at time of publish: $15
Count: 60 | Benefits: Even skin tone, anti-aging, moisturizes | Skin Type: All | Usage: 1 to 2 times daily | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Drugstore
Thayer’s Blemish Clearing Pads
Contains antioxidants
Affordable
Penetrates pores
Rough surface
Thayer’s is another much-loved brand for their skincare products containing natural ingredients and that tradition continues with their Blemish Clearing Pads. Not only do these pads work to clear up blackheads, whiteheads, and other acne blemishes, they are formulated to help prevent new breakouts from occurring. Made with 91% natural ingredients, the pads utilize a combination of witch hazel, 2% salicylic acid, and tea tree oil to unclog pores and reduce redness while aloe vera moisturizes the skin.
Price at time of publish: $10
Count: 60 | Benefits: Treat acne | Skin Type: Acne-prone | Usage: 1 to 3 times daily | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best for Beginners
Malin + Goetz Resurfacing Glycolic Pads
Promotes collagen production
Addresses age spots
Decongesting
Minimal ingredients
Rough surface
If you have trepidation about using exfoliating pads, Dr. Nazarian recommends these vegan pads for anyone just dipping their toes in. “They are great for all skin types. There’s no alcohol or fragrance in them. They are really simple and basic,” she says. “If you want to, you don’t even have to leave the solution on. You can wipe a pad over your skin and rinse it off if you’re really nervous.”
Price at time of publish: $44
Count: 50 pads | Benefits: Resurfaces dry, dull skin and promotes collagen production | Skin Type: All | 1 to 3 times per week | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Natural
Go-To Exfoliating Swipeys
Courtesy of Go-To
Assists in cell renewal
Refines texture
Very gentle for sensitive skin
Tad pricey
Instead of using the usual glycolic acid-based solution, naturally derived lactic acid (the gentlest of the acids), essential oils, and aloe vera work together to reveal a radiant complexion and even out your skin tone, and hydrate the skin. It's recommended to use these pads at night two to three times a week to avoid over-exfoliating.
Price at time of publish: $35
Count: 50 | Benefits: Refine skin texture, minimize the appearance of fine lines, and deeply moisturize skin | Skin Type: All | Usage: 2 to 3 times a week at night | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Extra Strength
Peter Thomas Roth Peptide 21 Amino Acid Exfoliating Peel Pads
Optimizes absorption of treatment products
Reduces pores
Infused green tea and chamomile soothe
Pricey
A super dose of amino acids, acids, and natural extracts, these pads from Peter Thomas are a rejuvenating, anti-aging godsend for the skin. Boasting a 20% concentration, they’re formulated with restorative peptides to help firm the skin, improve texture, and refine pores.
Price at time of publish: $55
Count: 60 | Benefits: Anti-aging and optimizes absorption of treatment products | Skin Type: All | Usage: 1 to 3 times a week | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Gentle
RE:P Organic Cotton Treatment Toning Pad
Very moisturizing
Infused herbal water balances skin
Improves skin elasticity
Strong smell
If you’re concerned about what you put on your skin or have a low tolerance for acids, these pads are a great option. They are free of common skin irritants such as mineral oil, parabens, and surfactants. Formulated with calendula, damask rose, and lavender extracts, they are gentle enough to use both day and night.
Price at time of publish: $37
Count: 90 | Benefits: Hydrate the skin | Skin Type: Sensitive or dry skin. | Usage: Twice a day, or as needed | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best for Body
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Exfoliating Body Treatment Peel
Sephora
Contains fruit-based enzymes
Stimulates natural collagen production
Strengthens skin’s moisture barrier
Pricey
Packed with alpha and beta hydroxy acids, this all-over body exfoliating treatment rejuvenates dry, dull skin. Standout ingredients include Bromelain (a pineapple-derived enzyme) and bakuchiol (a K-beauty staple). The acids and natural enzymes work together with squalene and hyaluronic acid to give you firmer, glowing healthy skin.
Price at time of publish: $58
Count: 8 | Benefits: Evens out complexion and improves the appearance of in-grown hairs | Skin Type: All | Usage: Twice weekly | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best for Hyperpigmentation
Urban Skin Rx Even Tone Resurfacing At Home Peel Pads
Minimal ingredients
Smooth texture gives easy, soothing application
Delivers real results
Not enough pads for the price
Struggling with dark marks that just won’t seem to go away? These pads contain lactic acid, retinol, and arbutin, which are great for clearing up dark marks and hyperpigmentation to reveal a smoother, even texture and complexion. If you’re more concerned about fine lines and wrinkles, there’s a retinol version of these pads too.
“Those of us with melanated complexions should look for ingredients that help to brighten the complexion, such as mandelic acid, azelaic, and lactic acid,” says Aguilar. “Be cautious with lighteners such as hydroquinone and strong forms of glycolic acids as this can complicate the uniformity of skin tone.”
Price at time of publish: $46
Count: 12 | Benefits: Smooths, exfoliates, evens skin tone, reduces the appearance of dark spots and pores | Skin Type: Acne-prone | Usage: 1 to 2 times per week | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best for Beards
Bevel Exfoliating Toner
Treats razor bump marks
Delivers real results
Enriched with soothing aloe vera
Affordable
A bit on the dry side
Founded by Tristan Walker, these double-duty pads help prevent acne and ingrown hairs. Enriched with aloe vera, lavender, green tea, niacinamide, and 10% glycolic acid, they gently slough away dead skin to reveal a smoother texture while giving your skin a nice healthy glow.
Price at time of publish: $14
Count: 45 | Benefits: Reduces ingrowns and dark spots | Skin Type: All | Usage: Daily after face wash | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Clean Beauty
Kinship Insta Swipe Lemon Honey AHA Pads
Full of natural ingredients
Contains anti-inflammatory antioxidant
Brightens
Very chemical-like smell
If you’re not acquainted with Kinship, now is the time to get familiar with the conscientious, clean, and cruelty-free skincare brand. Their exfoliating pads blend glycolic and alpha hydroxy acids to gently slough away dead skin cells, unveiling radiant skin. Some of its star ingredients include lemon (anti-microbial), manuka honey (antioxidant + anti-inflammatory), glycerin, aloe vera (moisturizing + hydrating), and Kinbiome (a plant-based probiotic) that work to restore and help protect your skin’s barrier. Once they’re also used, the recyclable jar is compostable.
Price at time of publish: $24
Count: 45 | Benefits: Unclogs pores, reduces breakouts | Skin Type: All | Usage: 3 times a week then build up to daily use | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Medical-Grade
Skin Pharm Clarifying Pads
Skin Pharm
Blend of salicylic, lactic, and glycolic acids exfoliate and unclog pores
Hydrating formula
Might have to start with gradual use
Price at time of publish: $50
This medical-grade brand was founded by a nurse practitioner and undergoes regular clinical testing. The clarifying pads contain a powerful blend of three acids—salicylic and glycolic to unclog pores and exfoliate, plus lactic to hydrate, which helps prevent any irritation. We love how they feel on your face—leaving behind no sticky residue.
Count: 60 | Benefits: Unclogs pores, reduces breakouts, reduces appearance of dark spots | Skin Type: All | Usage: 3 times a week then build up to daily use | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best for Oily Complexion
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Medicube
Contains AHA fruit complex to exfoliate
Contains BHA complex to reduce oil production
Some reviewers note sticky residue is left behind
Price at time of publish: $36
While no pad can truly deliver a poreless complexion, these pads are highly effective at ridding skin of excess oil, while helping to control future oil production. When your skin is less oily, pores can appear smaller and less noticeable.
Count: 70 | Benefits: Unclogs pores, reduces breakouts, reduce oil production | Skin Type: All | Usage: Daily | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Final Verdict
Our best overall pick is HydroPeptide 5X Power Peel pads, which use a powerful blend of acids to exfoliate, while peptides help protect the skin barrier. If you’re looking for something more affordable, consider Nip + Fab Glycolic Acid Fix Daily Cleansing Pads, which contain a gentle enough concentration of glycolic acid to unclog pores without irritating skin.
Meet the Expert
Natalie Aguilar is a dermatological nurse and celebrity aesthetician based in Los Angeles, California.
Rachel Nazarian, M.D., F.A.A.D. is a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in medical and cosmetic dermatology at Schweiger Dermatology.
What To Look for in Exfoliating Pads
Actives and Ingredients
“Active ingredients such as gentle acids are best for frequent use such as vitamin C (ascorbic acid) as well as lactic acid and most fruit acids such as citric and malic acid,” says Aguilar. “These have a long reputation for being gentle, effective, and safe for long-term use.” Lactic acid, found in many of the selects above, including SkinParm's Clarifying Pads, contain lactic acid to help keep skin hydrated. We also love the Kinship Insta Swipe Lemon Honey AHA Exfoliating Pads, which contain hydrating and soothing manuka honey to help nourish skin and prevent irritation.
Some ingredients you do want to avoid are alcohol, fragrance, acetone, and parabens.
Concentration
You want to be careful to not overdo it. Over-exfoliation can disrupt the skin’s natural barrier and cause long-term damage. “If you are new to exfoliating pads, this is not something that you need to jump into the deep end with. This is a slow and steady process. You can start with something lower. Do a product for a couple of months and see how your skin handles it,” Dr. Nazarian recommends. “You’re not going to waste your time if you start with a weaker product. You're going to avoid a lot of the pitfalls that happen when people just go straight for the strongest.”
Gentle Ingredients
It’s always best to start with gentle ingredients and work your way up to higher doses as your skin familiarizes itself with the strengths.
Also, keep in mind that the active ingredients make the skin more sensitive to the sun, so you’ll need to be more diligent about sunscreen use. Dr. Nazarian recommends that you should be pairing exfoliation with a broad spectrum SPF every morning of at least 30.
Why Trust Byrdie
Byrdie contributor Danielle Ransom is an NYC-based writer and has covered a myriad of topics ranging across beauty, fashion, and lifestyle.
According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find enough exfoliating pads from Black-owned and/or Black-founded businesses to meet this percentage. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com and we will evaluate the product ASAP.
